Fancy Mac 'N' Cheese Recipe

Fancy Mac 'N' Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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People compare my version of mac'n'cheese to their grandma's macaroni and cheese...not knowing it starts out with a purchase box mix. Ham and broccoli add flavor and color. It brings raves at our church socials.—Janet Twigg, Campbellford, Ontario

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Fancy Mac 'N' Cheese Recipe

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Yield: 8 Servings

25 5 30

Ingredients

2 packages (7-1/4 ounces each) macaroni and white cheddar or cheddar cheese dinner mix
6 cups water
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Set cheese sauce packet from dinner mix aside. Bring water to a boil. Add macaroni; cook for 4 minutes. Add the broccoli, onion and garlic. Cook 3-6 minutes longer or until macaroni is tender; drain.
In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in cheese sauce mix and milk. Add the ham, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in macaroni mixture.
Transfer to a greased broiler-proof 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs and cheese. Sprinkle over top. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 4-5 minutes or until top is golden brown. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 cup) equals 312 calories, 19 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 61 mg cholesterol, 932 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 14 g protein.

Originally published as Fancy Mac 'N' Cheese in Country Woman July/August 2001, p39